Develop a Kick-Ass Plot!Written by Lynette Rees
What is a plot?The dictionary definition of word ‘plot’ relating to a story is: “The plan or main story of a literary work” [Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary] So plot then, is planned storyline. Some writers fly by seat of their pants, not knowing where they are going or how they will get there, whereas, other writers would never dream of writing a story or a novel without some initial planning. If you were about to take a journey to a strange place, wouldn’t you think it would be wise to plan how you would get there, rather than leaving things to chance? Here, I'm going to share my secrets with you of how to develop a kick-ass plot! Do’s and Don’ts of plotting a novel: * Do think about your characters. Aim to find out as much as you can about them beforehand. Character drives plot. * Don’t rush in without any forward planning, that is a sure fire way to give up at first hurdle! * Do ensure that you know and fully understand your characters’ motivations. * Don’t rely on coincidences; you will be cheating reader! * Do ask yourself, what is theme of my story/novel? By understanding what theme is, you are more likely to understand motivation of your characters. * Don’t write any ‘next step scenes’ that do not advance storyline, end in a hook to next scene, do not move characters closer to their goals, do not contain reasonable motivation or deepen characterization. * Do think about creating character charts, back stories for main characters, a story board with ‘pictures’ of your characters and settings. Ask yourself following questions: 1.What do I want my novel to say? [Theme] 2.Which character is best able to say what needs to be said? [Characterization] 3. How can this message be conveyed to reader? [Storyline] 4. Where is action going to take place? [Setting] Here’s an example:
| | It's All From the Point of ViewWritten by Theresa Chaze
It’s all from Point of View By Theresa ChazePoint of view is one of most important aspects of writing and is most common of all writing mistakes. Its purpose is to direct readers attention where writers wishes it to go. There are three classifications of point of view: first person, omniscient, and third person. Each classification has its own benefits and rules, which limit writer but also add depth to story and flush out characters. When determining what type of point of view writer will be working from she/he must first consider what kind of feel she/he is looking for in story. First person is more intimate, yet it is also very limiting. The omniscient point of view sees all, yet feels nothing; there is no connection to characters or reasons behind their actions. Third person is a combination of first two; third person is different from first by pronouns used and how much information is available. While first is limited to what one character sees, feels and knows, third is a step backward to also include what is happening around character. The information can be included even if character isn‘t aware of situation. If writer was looking for action thriller, omniscient or third would be best point of view to work from; however if writer was looking to explore inner workings of a character, first person would give reader inside access to what, why and how character thinks. First person is a story told from main character’s point of view. I and me are main pronouns. The benefits include intimacy and a very full character development. The reader gets to know exactly what motivates character--all loves, fears, hopes, and thinking process. However it is very limited. Action that happens outside of character’s knowledge is only known if another character shares information. One character is known very well, however others are only seen through main character’s perspective. For example, if main character is paranoid, she or he could see others evil or a threat and act accordingly. This may not be true. But told in first person, reader would never know true motivations or actions of other characters. Omniscient point of view is told from outside of all characters. There is no personal involvement. Pronouns are she, he, or they. What happens and when are only details reader is given. It is like watching a movie. If omniscient has been chosen, everything is visual. If a character laughs or cries, reader is told what they are doing, but not why they are doing it. Using same example, character could be shown staring at others and being hostile when approached. The reader wouldn’t know why, only that character is angry and aggressive when approached. Third person point of view is described as having an angel sitting on character’s shoulder. The angel knows what character is feeling, thinking and seeing, but is also aware what is happening around character even if character doesn’t know. Once again pronouns are she, he, or they, but in this case when referring to thoughts of main character I or me can also be used. In third person, reader would know that character thinks others are out to harm her or him, however angel on shoulder would objectively show others’ actions. The reader would then know if others were actually out to get main character or if it was just a delusion.
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